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U.S. Seizure of Russian-Flagged Tanker Heightens Global Tensions

The ship, currently between Iceland and the British Isles, has been accused of breaking US sanctions and shipping Iranian oil. It has historically transported Venezuelan crude oil. The United States has seized a Russian‑flagged oil tanker linked to Venezuela after a prolonged pursuit across the Atlantic, marking one of the most assertive enforcement actions under Washington’s sanctions program. The vessel, previously known as Bella‑1 and later renamed Marinera , was intercepted after evading an earlier boarding attempt near Venezuelan waters. U.S. military aircraft and naval units tracked the ship for weeks as it traveled across the Atlantic, at times shadowed by Russian naval vessels. Officials say the tanker was part of a network used to transport sanctioned Venezuelan and Russian oil. Its capture underscores Washington’s efforts to disrupt what it describes as illicit energy shipments that help sustain both governments. The operation comes at a delicate geopolitical moment, wit...

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Netanyahu Announces Hostage Release Deal Amid Ongoing Conflict


In a significant development, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that a deal has been reached to release Israeli hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. This agreement comes after intense negotiations and is expected to bring relief to many families who have been waiting for the safe return of their loved ones.

The deal, which is set to be implemented in phases, will see the release of 33 Israeli hostages, including women, children, and men over 50, in the first six-week phase. In exchange, Israel will release Palestinian women and children under 19 detained in Israeli jails. The total number of Palestinians released could range between 990 and 1,650, depending on the number of hostages freed.

The ceasefire agreement, which accompanies the hostage release deal, aims to halt the fighting that has devastated Gaza, killed over 46,000 people, and displaced most of the enclave's population. Despite the agreement, Israeli airstrikes continued in Gaza, causing further casualties.

Netanyahu's announcement has been met with mixed reactions. While many see it as a necessary step towards peace, hardliners in Netanyahu's coalition have opposed the deal, viewing it as a capitulation to Hamas. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich have threatened to resign if the deal is approved.

The Israeli cabinet is expected to give final approval to the deal, with the first hostages set to be released on Sunday. This development marks a crucial moment in the ongoing conflict and could potentially ease hostilities in the region.


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